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Key Events of the French Revolution
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The Estates General is called
The Estates General was a meeting of all the estates to discuss their grievances which were written in every estate’s cahiers. This was a very important event because it was the first time that all the people of France came together to discuss the political issues that they were being faced with. It led to the break between the Third estate and the other two because of thier refusal to make voting counted by seperate estates instead of by individuals within every estate. -
The Tennis Court Oath
After the third estate became the National Assembly on June 17th, and upon being locked out by the King at one of the meetings, the estate made an oath for unity and the dedication to fighting for thier rights. This was very important because it was the first extra legal action taken by the third estate and signified the beginning of the revolution and will to change the constitution and way of life in France. -
The Storming of Bastille
Due to the conflict between the estates and the general atmosphere of fear and neglect, a mob stormed the Bastille which was a Paris prison that symbolized royal power. Many soldiers were killed, the city hall was captured and the mayor killed. This event was the first violent, aggressive move by the third estate which forced the King to recognize the National Assembly and make the other two estates join the third. Finally, the less privileged were being taken seriously. -
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen was published
This document is the most significant event of the revolution because it is the first time that a positive change in the rights of man were taking place. Although it wasn't perfect (people had to pay to become "active" citizens, and the king still had suspensive veto), man was declared free and equal, sovereignty now rested in the nation, laws would be made to preserve rights, France became a centralized state, a new tax system and judicial system was established. -
The King Tries to Leave France
Due to the reforms that were being implanted by the people and the loss of power of the king, King Louis XVI feared for his own safety. He was against the revolution and was unhappy with the changes that were made in the church. After trying to flee to Austria but being caught by the citizens he returned to Paris. Before he tried to run away, many people still respected the king but after the incident the majority turned against him and the Church lost support for the revolution. -
The Legislative Assembly meets
The new assembly met in order to discuss what was to be done with the King and what other changes should be implemented. The Girondins, who were the dominant group in the assembly, wanted to change the constitutional monarchy into a republic. Another group, the Jacobins, were more interested in social reforms and control over the free market. It was the first time new powers were introduced and the fact that the reformation wasn't over was made clear. -
The Parisians revolt
After many wars against the enemies of the revolution, the Parisians revolted against the constitutional monarchy and demanded for a new constitution. This was the start of the second revolution which followed the premises of the first one but went even father in providing more equality and rights to the people. They completely abolished the old order and the monarchy was suspended. They could not agree on the new order and assembled the National Convention to write the new constitution. -
The King is executed
The Jacobins, who took a more aggressive approach to the revolution, decided to execute the king. King Louis was executed which symbolized the official end of the monarchy. It was very significant because the power now rested among the people and the nation. It brought a lot of wars because of the fight to make the country stable and the fight to power between individuals. -
The Reign Of Terror
After the national convention met in September 1792, the Jacobins came into control and ruled by "emergency decree". During their reign, several wars occurred against the enemies of the revolution. They opened a new education system, made a new calendar, took over law courts and made a general conscription. During these reforms many wars were fought and over 40,000 people died. This event displays the bloody side of the revolution and was the last attempt to get rid of any enemies. -
The excution of Robespierre
The execution of Robespierre ended the Jacobin's rule and the directory came into power. During their ruling until 1799, the revolution was calming down and the country was becoming more and more stable. They made a balance between powers but were enemies to all the other groups because everyone else wanted to control France and run it as they saw fit. Although unliked they managed to preserve the rights that the people had fought for in previous years.
